Isfeld student to recite pi for YANA

Pi is the ratio of the circumference of a circle to diameter, an irrational number that never ends. ‘Pi Day’ is celebrated each year on March 14 or 3.14, the first digits of pi.

Since first grade, Boan has been memorizing the digits of pi and reciting them on Pi Day. Several years ago he started using the occasion to fundraise for YANA (You Are Not Alone).

The 13-year-old Grade 8 Mark Isfeld student will be at it again next Wednesday, all in the name of YANA.

“Jack is an example of somebody taking something they love to do and using it to benefit the community,” said YANA community relations co-ordinator, Ocean Varney. “He was inspired to help because he knows families that YANA has helped. In turn he is inspiring others; it’s pretty awesome!”

YANA offers funding and accommodation to Comox Valley families who need to leave the community for the medical care of a child under 19 or a pregnant mother.

Last year, Boan memorized 808 digits of pi and raised more than $1,000 for YANA.

He’s hoping to improve on both counts this year.

To pledge Boan, you can donate to YANA directly at yanacomoxvalley.com/donate/ (mention Pi Day in the notes) or through the YANA office.

Nationally ranked

With his official count of 808, Boan is the sixth-ranked Canadian on the Pi World Ranking List.

The top Canadian is Chun Wang, who recited 8,148 digits of pi on Pi Day last year.

The world record holder is Suresh Kumar Sharma of India, who recited 70,030 digits of pi on Oct. 21, 2015. It took him 17 hours and 14 minutes to complete his recital.